Watch CBS News

Minnesota Man, 82, Survives Bear Attack In Canada

MANKATO (WCCO) -- An 82-year-old Minnesota man who survived the Korean War says it was nothing compared to what he encountered in Canada. He says a black bear kept him captive in his cabin for hours, trying to get at his food.

Lloyd Vollmer is a story teller and recently decided to write a story for his grandkids. So, he left his Mankato retirement home to spend last weekend at his cabin, which is located in a remote area past Thunder Bay in Canada.

But his time away became anything but relaxing. He says the bear surprised him, ransacked his cabin and tore into his chocolates.

Vollmer's son Gary says encounters are common for the family, including grizzlies in Alaska. However, to Vollmer, this was different.

Vollmer threw a firecracker and the bear left. That's when he decided to pack up the car.

The bear didn't decide to stay away, however.

"I turned around and the bear was 7, 10 feet away, coming at me," said Vollmer.

He jumped in, but not before the bear got a swipe.

"He hit me with his paw on my left leg," said Vollmer.

He was able to close the door and waited.

"I tossed a firecracker at him and he only moved a few feet. He kept circling the car until dark," he said.

Hours later, in the morning, Vollmer was able to leave. His children took him to the hospital in Mankato -- his heart still pounding and leg throbbing.

"Since then, everyday has been a bonus to me," said Vollmer.

He thought he had a heart attack, but after being checked out, doctors think he had an anxiety attack. He also has a deep bruise on his leg, but it's already healing.

Vollmer says he had thrown his camera into a bag into the back of the car and he couldn't get to it during the ordeal.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.